Following the launch of HeritageAlive’s publication on basketry as intangible cultural heritage (ICH), we are continuing the conversation through a series of monthly short blogs. These contributions provide NGOs in our ICH NGO Forum network with an opportunity to share practical experiences, lessons learned, and methodologies from their work safeguarding basketry traditions in communities around the world.
The original call for articles sought examples of good safeguarding practices relating to traditional basketry knowledge and skills, including the use of plant and tree materials, braiding techniques, and the development of basketry by-products. Importantly, contributions were encouraged to go beyond presenting basketry as an ICH element and instead explore the challenges, approaches, and experiences involved in its safeguarding and transmission, as well as its social and cultural functions within communities.
After the publication was finalized, several submissions that could not be included in the official volume—but offered valuable perspectives—were invited to develop their contributions into short blogs. These are now published monthly, giving NGOs greater visibility for their safeguarding projects while enabling the wider network to learn from field-based experience.
The call for articles for the basketry publication is now closed. However, we warmly invite NGOs to share short stories about their experiences safeguarding basketry for possible publication on our website.
Meanwhile, HeritageAlive is already preparing its next thematic publication, focusing on traditional masks and masquerades.
